Missouri Eliminates 870 Positions in New Cutbacks

Jefferson City, MO – Missouri government began the new yeartoday by eliminating 870 positions and cutting $67 million in planned spending.

In the latest reaction to a sluggish economy, most of the positions eliminated already are vacant. Figures from the stagebudget office this morning say only 96 employees are being laid off.

The cuts comprise a relatively small portion of Missouri's 65,000 member work force. But they affect almost all agenciesfunded by the budget of almost $19 billion, which runs through June 30th.

Included in the cuts announced by budget director Linda Luebbering are 550 already-vacant positions in the state Department of Corrections. Another 88 jobs are being cut in the Department of Public Safety, including 48 resulting in layoffs.